Azerbaijan's central bank keeps interest rate steady at 7.25%, amid growing loans and deposits.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has kept its benchmark interest rate at 7.25% for the eighth consecutive meeting, with the interest rate corridor unchanged at 6.25% to 8.25%. Despite rising market interest rates due to lower liquidity, lending rates have increased, but loan portfolios are growing by 18.5%-18.7% annually. The CBA aims to manage margins effectively and control inflation, which was 5.9% in March, aligning with projections.